FanPost

NightLink: How Long Will Lovie Be in Chicago?

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During this very active Chicago Bears offseason, GM Jerry Angelo has pieced together a successful team on paper.  He added weapons on offense, assigned Lovie Smith to call defensive plays, and hired Rod Marinelli to revamp our DLine.  We've got the talent to win.

That being said, I am curious as to what you think about Lovie Smith's outlook in Chicago.  Of course, today's NFL is constantly referred to as a "What have you done for me lately?" league with its head coaches, and Lovie is probably no different.  After all, we heard Angelo say a couple of months ago that the talent is in place, and now it is up to the coaches to make it work.

Did you know that out of 32 NFL teams, only 8 head coaches have been in place for more than 3 seasons with their current teams? 

Jeff Fisher, Tennessee (1994)

Andy Reid, Philadelphia (1999)

Bill Belichick, New England (2000)

John Fox, Carolina (2002)

Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati (2003)

Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville (2003)

Lovie Smith, Chicago (2004)

Tom Coughlin, NY Giants (2004)

Out of that list, you have to think that Marvin Lewis' days in Cincinnati are numbered, and John Fox and Jack Del Rio probably need to hurry up and do something as well.

That means that 75% of current head coaches have been with their current team for 3 years or less.  In 2009 alone, we have seen 10 new head coaches named (Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, NY Jets, Oakland [Cable was interim], Seattle, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay).

In Lovie Smith's 5 years in Chicago, he has a record of 45-35, 2 NFC North titles, and 2 playoff berths.  In the 2 seasons since the Super Bowl, he is 16-16, and has failed to make the playoffs.  That is not a good thing in today's NFL.

It appears that the Bears are in position to battle for the NFC North title once again, but how much wiggle-room does Lovie have?  Is Jerry Angelo in a "win now" mode, or might Lovie have a couple of years to get everything together?

How many more seasons do you expect to see Lovie Smith as head coach in Chicago?

This Fanpost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.